Leeds City College

A former Leeds City College student has been recognised for her ‘myth-busting’ work during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Levi Rowe juggled her Level 3 Health and Social Care course studies with being a Covid Ambassador for Bradford Metropolitan Council.

Her efforts for the Behind the Mask campaign involved dispelling vaccination conspiracy theories, through radio interviews and meeting young people, among BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) communities.

The college’s Deputy Head of Health, Science and Social Care, Vicky Meehan, was so impressed that she nominated the 19 year old for a 2021 Young Citizen Award – and Rotary Leeds went on to declare her a winner.

A passionate advocate for young people

In her nomination statement, Vicky wrote: “Levi is passionate, highly driven to support individuals in her community, and will volunteer to make positive changes despite facing personal challenges herself.

“She is a great advocate for young people and is enthused to make a difference and actively empowers those whom she sees as underrepresented within the community.”

Levi said: “At first I thought I didn’t even deserve to be nominated, but I was happy and honoured when I won. It made me realise how much work I had done for my community and I was very proud of myself.”

The achievement also helped to guide her when, after finishing the first year of her course, she decided to switch to the world of work.

She said: “Winning this award inspired me to work in a field with young people and help out in my community.

“After leaving college I started work at a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school, working mostly with year 8 and 9 students who had a mixture of autism and ADHD. Then a couple of months later, I saw a vacancy for a part-time receptionist and administration assistant at my old high school, which I got.

“Then in August this year I moved on to do the same job at the school’s sixth form. I am excited to be starting my new journey with a permanent job!”

Praise for the college’s support

Levi, who is dyslexic, credits the college for providing outstanding support when she switched to remote learning.

She said: “Working and studying from home helped me so much to balance everything. I got lots of support from Vicky, who I will never forget – she would video call me once or twice a week to help me get through my coursework and support me with my dyslexia.

“And if I ever was feeling down I could speak to her or Liam Oldfield at the college. Liam was also a massive help with my mental health and helped me get through some very personal issues.

“I never thought I would be in this position. My ambition is to become the safeguarding lead in the sixth form as I have the same passion to help young people now as I did at college.

“I would advise anyone thinking of studying at Leeds City College to go, as I got loads of support with my courses and they will understand if you need to do your work in a different way.”

Click here for more details on health science and social care courses at the college.